Top News Headlines In Singapore, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam & Thailand: Jan 8, 2024

SINGAPORE

1.S’PORE, MALAYSIA SIGN AGREEMENT ON JOHOR-S’PORE SPECIAL ECONOMIC ZONE; 20,000 JOBS TO BE CREATED -- THE STRAITS TIMES

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The new Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) in Malaysia is expected to create 20,000 skilled jobs for people on both sides of the Causeway.

2.‘WHEN I DIE, WHO’S GOING TO LOOK AFTER YOU?’ – THE PAINS OF CARING FOR ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES -- CNA

Every evening, Ernest Wong takes five minutes to walk from the front door of his house to the dining table, four metres away.

LAOS 

1.REVAMPING EDUCATION SYSTEM TO IMPROVE QUALITY - - VIENTIANE TIMES

The government will revamp the nation’s education system to ensure quality education. It will enhance the standards of personnel in the sector, tackle student dropouts, elevate teaching quality and implement changes in the school curriculum.

2.TRAINING YOUTH TO REVITALISE FARMING - - VIENTIANE TIMES 

The government is trying to transform the agriculture sector from subsistence to commercial farming by encouraging youth in northern Laos to join agribusiness. They are being taught entrepreneurial skills and given hands-on support to launch their agribusinesses. 

MYANMAR

1.FOREIGN OBSERVERS TO MONITOR ELECTIONS - - THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR

Military leader Senior General Min Aung Hlaing discussed bilateral relations between Myanmar and Iran with incoming Iranian Ambassador Dr Nassereddin Heidari. He also highlighted preparations for the upcoming election and plans to invite international organisations to observe the electoral process.

2.TURNING TO LNG TO PRODUCE ELECTRICITY - - THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR

The government is addressing power shortage by generating electricity from power plants using liquefied natural gas (LNG). The destruction of national grids and substations by acts of sabotage, and natural disasters have impacted power production in the country. 

VIETNAM

1.VIETNAMESE OVERSEAS INVESTMENT TOUCH RM3 BILLION - - VIETNAMPLUS

Vietnamese investors pumped nearly RM3 billion (US$665 million) into 164 new projects and 26 existing ventures abroad last year. Most of the capital was channelled into professional services, science and technology, manufacturing, and power generation and distribution.

2.HO CHI MINH EMERGING HUB FOR BUSINESS OPERATORS - - VIETNAMPLUS

Ho Chi Minh City is becoming a top destination for both local and international corporations seeking growth opportunities within ASEAN. The office property market is experiencing rapid growth driven by strong demand and consistent supply in the southern city.

THAILAND

1. MISSING CHINESE ACTOR ARRIVES IN THAILAND, SAYS POLICE -- THE NATION

Missing Chinese actor Xingxing has arrived in Mae Sot district of Tak province, the police inspector-general Pol General Thatchai Pitaneelaboot said on Tuesday.

2. RESIDENTIAL MARKET SEEN CONTRACTING 5-10PERCENT IN 2025 -- BANGKOK POST

The residential market is projected to contract by 5-10 percent this year, following a slowdown last year, as younger buyers delay home purchases because of reduced confidence in the economy, according to property research firm Terra Media and Consulting.

-- BERNAMA